Resilient tire.



J. S. WILLIAMS.

- RESILIENTTIRE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. I9, 1911. RENEWED MAR. 14.19M-

Patented Dec. 18,1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET l- IIII IIII IIII I IIII J. S. WILLIAMS.

RESILIENT TIRE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.19. I9ll- RENEWED MAR. 14,1912. 1,250,405.

Patented Dec. 18,1917.

Bi s H E E T 2 J. S. WILLIAMS.

RESILIENT TIRE. I APPLICATION mm JAN. 19.1911. RENEWED MAR. H.191?- 1,250,405. 1 Patented Dec. 18,1917.

EETS-SHEEI 3.

INVENTOR Q golq yw 117-055? J. S. WILLIAMS.

RESIUENT TERE,

APPLICATION FILED IAN. l9. 19H. RENEWED MAR. 14 i917.

1,250,405, Patented Dec. 18,1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 46-? IN VEN TOR J. S. WILLIAMS.

RESILIENT TIRE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 19. NHL RENEWE'b mm 14.1911- 1,250,405. I Patented Dec. 18,1917

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

itwzooeo UNITED STATES PATENT carton.

JOSEPH S. WILLIAMS, 0F RIVERTON, NEW JERSEY.

RESILIENT TIRE.

' Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. is, rare.

Application filed January 19, 1911, Serial No. 603,552. Renewed March 14, 1917. Serial No. 154,868.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, J osnrn S. WILLIAMS, a .citizen of the United States, residing at Riverton, county of Burlington, State of New Jersey, have invented anew and useful Resilient Tire, of which the following is a specification. v

The purpose of my invention in its broad and general scope is to provide a resilient tire construction with high standards of resistance to pressure, puncture and tread wear and with practically uniform areas of support and uniformity of flexure with altitude or range of deflection compensated or balanced in the transverse planes of the tire.

Qther objects of my invention will be clearly understood from the detailed description of my invention.

My invention consists of a novel tire having its outer portion in the form of a flattened arch which is reinforced against circumferential distention, puncture and high internal pressure, with the outer part of the facing of tough elastic material with or without relatively hard wear and slip resist ant material homogeneously embodied therein or as a facing element thereof, and the side extension of the arch construction being in uniform annular flexible connection or extension around the sides of the cushioning zone to the terminal seatings of the wheel equipment.

It further. consists of novel means of cushioning and supporting the construction and resisting excessive strains and tread defiection.

It further consists of other novel features of construction, all as will be hereinafter fully set forth.

For the purpose of illustrating my invention I have shown in the accompanying drawings those embodiments thereof which are at present preferred by me, since the same will give in practice, satisfactory and reliable results, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which my invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that my invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and organization of these instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

Figure 1 represents a diagrammatical view showing the lines of construction of a tire for carrying my invention into practice.

g- .2 r p nts a diag mmatical view a fluid tight'tube and cushion.

Fig. 7 represents a sectional elevation of a modified form of fluid tight tube and cushion embodying my invention.

Fig. 8 represents a sectional elevation of another embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 9 represents a sectional elevation of another embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 10 represents a diagrammatical view showing certain lines of construction and nod inforcement.

Fig. 11 represents a sectional elevation of another embodiment of my invention.

Fig. 12 represents a perspective View partly in section of a tire embodying my invention.

Fig. 13 represents a sectional elevation of a portion of Fig. 12.

Fig. 1 L represents a perspective View partly in section of a tire embodying my in vention.

. Fig. 15 represents a sectional elevation of a tire embodying my invention.

Fig. 16 represents a side elevation partly in perspective and partly in section of a tire embodying my invention.

Figs. 17 18 and 19 represent sectional ele-. vations of other embodiments of my invention.

Fig. 20 represents a sectional elevation showing means for inflating the inner tube.

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in the figures.

Referring to the drawings: My present invention may beconsidered as comprising a compressive zone 1, a cushioning zone 2, and terminal extensions 3 united in rim equipment. The inner zone 1 includes an inner zone 4, the latter being provided with a zone 17, and the zone 1 also includes an outer zone 5. 9 designates the zone of reinforcement of the ordinary tire construction, having a tread l0 and terminals 11. The ordinary tread giving threeeigbths f a nch d fl tion r qu s t the base line be carried back to the line 31, see Fig. 2, and in so doing will elongate transversely, the difference between the length of the chord on line 13, and the are being approximately indicated by the are 16.

'18 and 19 designate lines of curvatures at the side from which extend lines 20 and 2-1. 22 and 23 indicate the extension of the element in zone 4. The line 24: indicates threeeighths of an inch deflection in my novel tire as compared to the ordinary pneumatic type. 26 and 27 indicate approximate variations as compared with line 16.

2'8 designates an arched or elliptical constructidn provided with a fluid tight clearance siace 29, so that the load is supported. with light variation of wheel. diameter Without the inner faces of 28 coming into con.- tact online 30. 31 designates reinforce ments in the annular cushion 32, which serve to maintain the flattened curve or flattened elliptical ,formation. Lines SA indicate ranges of resilient movements rela tively to the line 30.

In the lines of construction. seen in Fig. 5, 36 designates the terminals with reinforcements 37, and transversely grooved outer parts to cofit with groove 48 of rim seating members 49. the terminals interlocking at 50 with the rim seating part 51., which is provided with transversely grooved inner faces cofitting with the grooves id. The port 51 with the cushion can he bodily withdrawn or secured in equipment with the other parts. 5 designates the are of formation oi. a four and one-half inch cir cular tire, andofi represents the are of an elliptical formation with three-cightns of an inch flexure between the line 30 and th outer line of the are. 56 designates are lines of construction in the out-er zone and 57 designates the arc line of the outer periphery of the cushioning zone. 59 designates approximate variations of are line at, the. arc line defining the formation. 50 designates lines indicating approximate variations'in zone 1, with are lines 56 and 57 defining the formation.

The main difference between the lines ofconstruction in Figs. 8 and 10 is that the zone 17 is shown as having a greater radial depth.

In Fig. 4 I have shown the elements of my construction with curved, or elliptical forms with radial altitudes relative to transverse section lines of the construction in definite, compensating or balancing relationship to depth of normal deflection and in unit of structure with the rim equipments, so that the deflection of the tread on longitudinal lines will be compensated on transverse llnes through flexible curvations on the transverse section lines in the width of the tire.

The outer permeating or shoe,

menace the zones-d l7 and 5 with the elements therein constructed in a unit of outer construetron having practically uniform elliptical or flattened curved formation transversely across and through the field of the compressive zone of distributive tread with terminals extending from the zone lof such combination to the rim equipments.

The zone l is shown. with tensile means of forth across the con'ipressive zone with a continuity on are lines of curvature at the sides around the sides of the cushioning zone 2 and inwardly to the terminals 36 provided with the annular reinforcements 37.

Such reinforced terminals 36 are shown firmly gripped and held between the lateral extensions of the inner and transversely divided annulus 38 and the outer and transversely divided annulus 39 which are shown with cofitting and interlocking parts and with a screw threaded member 40 passing through the annulus 39 in engagement with the threaded part 41 of the annulus 88 and thereby firmly securing the members 38 and 39 together.

The terminal parts of 39 are shown provided with transwersely disposed grooves 48, more clearly shown in other figures of the drawings to grip and retain the terminals and effectually prevent slip in the seatings of constructions.

The cushioning zone 2 is shown with flattened arch or elliptical formation in the outer part as defined by the zone 4 and elements 35 which are shown with outward curvature to negotiate ilexure and distributive support for normal deflection in close proximity to line 30 in the annular field of the transverse planes as defined by lines and 44:.

The zone 17 is shown with multiple laycrs of tensile material 45 as additional reinforcement to the elements 85 against internal pressure and for maintenance of elliptical formation as defined by the zone 4: and

elements 35 andotherwise, and essentially as elements of reinforcement in the puncture proofing construction in zone 17, consisting of a homegencous mixture of suitable rubher, rubber compounds or resilient bonding 13o material with mineral substances, such as, carborundum, emery or equivalent material in a uniform state of subdivision, in uniform structural and bonded embodiment with the elements'of the reinforcement 45 forming a flexible puncture proof element in vulcanized bonded union with and protecting and reinforcing the element 35 in the zone 4.

Zone 5 indicates the outer wearing part, or tread, consisting of a wear and slip resistant material, such as carborundum, emery, or the equivalent thereof in a graded state of division, in uniform embodiment and bond with suitable rubber, compounds of rubber, or flexible bonding material, as a flexible matrix yielding to deflection for .distributive tread, with resistance to compression and elongation to about equalize, balance or to exceed the determined load supporting cushioning standard of the distributive tread.

Such elements of construction in the respectivezones 4, l7 and 5 are combined in a vulcanized unit of structure and provide a flexible outer wearing construction of great stability, with high standards of resistance to internal pressure, with effectual resistance to puncture from without, and wear and slip in road use.

The elliptical or transversely disposed. and re nforced formation of such construction is an important feature in providing for the.

use of such strongly reinforced construction, as by such means effective combinations of abrasive material and flexible bonded material, can be made and used with definite and suitable standards of tensility and resistance to compression, so as to free such combination of matter, or materials from the excessive stress and strains which would result with ordinary tubular tire construction.

The elements 35 of the zone 4: are shown with an outer protecting coating, or layers of rubber 46 as is usual, and otherwise with a layer of rubber 8 extending under sides of 39 and the transversely grooved parts 48 of the outer rim member 39 whereby the tenminals 36 will not only be held in firm. compressive engagement, but will be protected from weather and so as to compensate the slight transversely elongative action and inward movement of the elements 35 at such parts due to defiective and cushioning ac tions.

The cushioning zone 2 is shown equipped with the annular cushioning element 32 with .elliptical formation in construction on transverse lines with flattened arch or elliptical formation having lines of curvature inward, and opposite the curvature, which is outward as defined by construction lines 4, 17 and 5 in the outer compressive zone.

The elliptical space, so formed and defined is shown equipped with the pressure proof fluid tight member 28 having an annular clearance space 29 of elliptical formation conforming to the lines of construction fitting engagement with the inner parts of the flexible inwardly projecting curved extensions of 35 to and along the inner'sup porting surface of 38.

Under this construction the cushion is designed to have a load supporting capacity per unit area of construction equal to or slightly exceeding the pneumatic pressure standard of the tire whereby the cushion will resist deflection in case of deflation, with slight variation in wheel diameter, and whereby the normal distributive tread and cushioning of tire construction will be balanced to action along the transverse planes between the curvatures on opposite sides-of the line 30 throughout the range of normal but I do not limit myself to such range as the spacement can be greater or less as desired. I

The balance of such construction and variations in the compressive zone of deflection and distributive tread are approximately shown by lines 26 and 27.

In Fig. 6, the cushion 32 is shown with the member 28 on the inner transverse planes instead of on the outer face as shown in Fig. 5.

In Fig. 7 the cushion 32 is shown with the fluid tight member 28 in transverse planes of the body of the cushion 82.

The cushions as shown in Figs. 6 and 7 may be substituted for the cushion 32 as shown in Fig. 5 and if desired the cushion 32 and the member 28 may be omitted from the construction and a pneumatic or fluid tight insert of suitable type may be used, so that the construction as shown in Fig. 5 may be used with a fluid cushion only, or with cushioning elements 32 and 28 as may be desired.

In Fig. 8, the zones l, 17, and 5 are shown with the tensile elements of reinforcement in zone i consisting of multiple layers of fabric transversely disposed in the transverse planes acrossthe outer compressive zone of distributive tread in part parallel with the lines 43 and ll and with curvature to the sides into continuity -with curvature of greater magnitude to terminal of the well known types for clencher rim equipments. Zone 17 is shown with an. annular element "of fabric -15 with mineralized flexible bondequivalent tensile strength per unit of thickdeflection as defined by the lines 43 and 44 r fabric 6 1 and rubber ness in depth thereof, whereby such reinforcement with a thickness, or depth radially of five to ten one hundredths of an inch will offer, but slight resistance to deflection, but provide tensile reinforcement to resist any internal pressure of tire construction and of puncture therethrough from without in road service. The annular member 61 is preferably incased in and combined with an envelopment, of tough or soft rubber 62 with high standard of tensility, which is in turn combined was the fabric 45 whereby the elongation of 61 in the compressive zone of distributive tread will be compensated on circumferential lines.

"Such construction in zone 17 will be effective in materially reinforcing 35 in zone 4 against internal pressure and for maintenance of transverse lines of formation and in protecting and the cushioning zone 2 from injury and puncture, without inju' riously aliecting the tlexure of 35 on the sides thereof in the planes and side curvatures thereof.

- As a further reinforcement to construction the field or zone 5 of the compressive zone 1 is formed of abrasive wear and slip resisting material homogeneously embodied in a flexible matrix of suitable bonding 1naterial. or mixture as described with referenceto Fig. l and otherwise as herein set forth.

The inner tube ('33 is shown consisting of with the fabric ex tending annularly and transversely across the field of the compressive zone in the transverse planes or construction in part parallel with lines 43 and 4 and with curvaturetherefrom to the sides and inwardly in conformity with the curvature of and in pres sure engagement with the inner part of the outer zone 1 and side casing of zone 2.

The construction is shown with additional reinforcement on the outer face and against zone 4c.

This reinforcement is shown cm'isisting of multiple layers of fabric (553 bonded together with mineralized rubbe as in zone 17 and also in vulcanized bonded union with the fluid tight tube construction 63 by which the cushioning zone E2 will be maintained in effectivo working construction.

In the construction as shown in the outer compressive zone 1 oi Fig. 8 compensation for deflection in transverse planes will be throllgh the flexing curvature from the terminals 11 to the sides and the side curvatures and the curvature inwardly therefrom in the transverse planes of the construction across the compressive field in the width of the tire.

In Fig. 11 a the construction is shown with the element in zones 5, 1?, and .4. with curvature therefrom inwardly, and othcrwise as in Fig. 4, to terminals ll. of a well known type as shown.

of zone 4 and the outer face 056.6.

line of curvature corresponds with the curvi tthtlgllltl strongly reinforced pressure prooi member 7 forming a fluid tight lining construction 67 for retaining air or other fluid under pressure. This annular member 67 is formed with elliptical lines of curvature in transverse planes through the compressive zone of distributive tread along the inner faces Such atures oi construction'as defined by zone t in the outer construction and the cushion seating face of 66.

The fluid tight member 67 is shown with.

multiple layers of fabric 68 bonded together with rubber and otherwise lined with rubber to make the construc ion fluid tight and pressure proof in tire use with the areas ct construction mainly in the transverse plan-es the tire and inexte -sible circumferentially in the outer parts in the plane of the tire.

The reinforcement 68 is embodied in the construclon 67 with lines of curvature as shown and with the material oi 68 in the inner part or such construction next to zone 4 with. length ou circumierential lines corresponding to the circumferential lengths on the transverse lines of the curvature of construction, and otherwise with lengths as lined by side lines of curvatures and with length on the ii ner part of such construction to provide for requisite compression against the inner taces of the outer construction and the inner taco 66. Such construo tion makes the member 67 outwardly non-- extensible circumferentially.

The tire construction in Fig. 11 is designed to operate as pneumatic wit a tube construction 67 or with a tube of suitable form not so reinforced or with a cushion equipment and a tube 28, as described with reference to Figs. 3, a and others of the drawings.

Fig. 11, the outer elements of tire connotion in zone 4, 1'? and 5 are shown simito the construction seen in Figs. 4 and 9, with slightvariations, but with similar terminal and riin seatingequipments as in Fig. l.

The annular and transversely livided members of rim and terminal seating equipments are shown with transversely colitting and interlocking parts at 69.

In 12 an. annular tire construction is shown with the elements in the respective zones in the transverse planes and crossing the field of the compressive zone of distril: iiivc tread as described with reference to o" res oi? the the outer faces 70 of 38 and around the ends, or sides of the member 38 with reinforcements 37 on the inner side between 38 and 39.

-The outer faces of 38 are shown near line 43 which represents the inner line of normal deflection of distributive tread and slightly less than one-half an inch from line 44 which represents the outer line of the arc, or curvature of the construction.

The cushioning zone 2 is thereby extended with curvature in the transverse planes across the entire face of38 and outwardly to sufficient distance as. re resented by line Mt to provide for free ra ial movement of the elements in the outer compressive zone with the range of normal distributive tread action.

The faces 70 of the inner seatings on 38, of theterminals 36, reinforcements 37 and the parts of 39 clamping same, and the ele ments 35 across the face of such construc tion, and the outer compressive zone 1, with member 32 and insert 28, all operate in harmony in resisting excessive deflection and in maintaining positive wheel equipment and practically constant wheel diameter on or about the maximum transverse axis chord or lanes of construction. ing material 71 is shown at the sides 72 of 38 between the parts thereof and the terminal parts 36 of 35 and the elements supported thereby.

The transversely divided annular'member 39 is shown with transverse corrugations 4.8 cofitting with oppositely formed corrugations 47 on the terminal parts 36.

The cushioning zone 2 is shown with a fluid tight member 28 and cushion 32 or a fluid tight cushioning insert, by whi ch uni,- form radial support is obtained for distributive tread and by which excessive deflection will be resisted and supported by solid cushioning means operating between the outer face of 38 and the inner face of 35. Such cushion 42 may be omitted and a fluid tight member of suitable formation be used or one-half of the cushion may be used, but I prefer arrangements as shown or the equivalent thereof. 1 may however with possible advantage for some purposes use a curvature of construction with less depth or so that the outer faces 70 will be central or between the outer and inner lines of normal deflection wlereby the member 35 would operate directly to resist excessive deflection.

A passage way 73 is shown for the stern of or the valve of inner fluid tight member,

or tube 28.

The meeting ends of the transvers-xlv Cushiondivided annular member 39 are shown se cured to the screwed parts 41 of member 38 by screw bolts 40 through the medium of which all parts are securely combined.

The membei 39 with full tire equipment can be combined and secured in wheel equipment by any of the well known means.

In Fig. 13 the parts 39 and 38 are provided with transverse cofitting interlocking parts 74 and 75 respectively to maintain the same in proper relationship with rim equipments and elements of construction as seen by figures of reference similar to Fig. 12.

Fig. 14 shows an annular tire construction with hemispherical form in transverse section with the elements of tensile reinthe outer part of 32 and the inner part of" zone at for fluid tight annular member 28 whereby distributive tread with uniform radia'l support will be negotiated in the field as defined by 4.3 and 4 by deflection of the curvatures of construction in the outer orcompressive zone inwardly and the deflection of the curvature lines of solid cushioning construction of the cushioning zone outwardly toward the chord lines of the respective curvatures of such construction balanced to negotiate a normal or determined standard of distributive tread support in such field and to resist and cushion excessive strains or deflection on or about the line 30 on the major chord or axis in transverse planes of such construction.

The cushion 32 and the fluid tight member 28 are shown in the cushioning zone 2 in state of deflation, or with the cushion 32 compensating displacement of the fluid by taking its place to provide cushioning support for the elements in the outer compressive zone 1.

Under such conditions the standard of compressibility of the cushion 32 per unit area thereof across the compressive zone, will be to balance the determined fluid pressure of the tire when compressed thereby to a determined depth for clearance and otherwise to provide uniform radial support for normal deflection of distributive tread in the compressive field having mobile means of support.

The tire construction and cushion 32 as shown in Fig. 15 has reater depth than re quired as a cushion of one inch to one and a quarter inches in radial depth will be adequate to provide a space for fluid and normal deflection of tread.

I prefer to employ lesser depth as shown by lines of construction in Fig. 17 and others of drawings hut slight variation of depth are iiotiznportent features but the standard of cushioning and resistance to compression and ranges of compression relatively to tire pressures and load supporting standards are important and necessary features in providing reliable standards in a properly balanced this construction.

The member 28 is equipped with valve equipment or means for inflating 28 with air or other fluid, elastic or incompressible, to provide a clearance space 29 for securing mobility of deflection and uniform support tor distributive tread and otherwise uniform cushioning and support throughout.

Fig.1?) shows in longitudinal section and in perspective and transverse section the elements of construction as in Fig. 15 and as shown and herein described with reference to other figures of the drawings 32 in the cushioning zone under compression by fluid inflation of the fluid tight member 28 and supporting normal deflection of distributive tread. The wear and slip resisting elements in zone 5 are shown combined with reinforcing and puncture proofing elements in zone 17, and the tensile elements of reinforcement and tire support in zone a with terminal arts for rice equipment.

The dotted line 82 represents the arc line of the deflected distributive tread construction in the compressive zone 1.

T he distance between lines 83 and 845 show the approximate length of normal distributive tread on half scale of thirty-tour inch wheel,

The lines 86 and 87 show approximate difference and variations between the chord a nd are lines of distributive tread along circumferential. lines in the compressive Zone The direction of movement or? the tire body is shown by arms 97 and the relative movement oi the fluid in 28 is renresented by arrows 98 and 99.

The variations as represented by 86 and 87 avera e slightly less than three quarters of one per cent. per unit of length as represented by lines 83 and 8s.

The variations in the compressive zone 1 on transverse lines of ordinary tubular pneumatic tire construction as shown in Fi l are approximately ten times greater tian assay-rule of the seating member 38 and otherwise filling the annular and transversely disposed cushioning'zone 2 as defined by 35 by like flattened arch or curvature across the compressive zone in the transverse planes of the tire and by flexing curvature therefrom at and around the sides to the lateral terminal parts of 38 and 39'. The general arrangement of the elements otherwise are clearly shown by the figure of reference.

In Fig. 18 the annular fluid tight member 28 with a clearance space 29 as described herein is shown equipped with valve organism 7 as a simple and convenient type for use with cushion 32. 6 represents passageway through the cushion for valve stem, or means to open the valve and provide fluid tight connection between the clearance space 29 and the source of fluid supply.

Any suitable valve construction may be used for the purpose and such are intended to be applied to the inner fluid tight members of the cushioning zone of construction as herein illustrated Without valve mechanism.

In Figs. l8-and 19 the several annular ele nients transversely disposed with flattened curvatures in the transverse planes ofthe tire and otherwise combined are shown as complete units of structure, for or in wheel equipment as will be seen from the figures or? reference.

The elements 35 are shown with flattened curvature; or arch formation relatively to transverse section lines of the tire across the compressive zone 1 with easy flexing curvature to and around the sides of the annular and transversely disposed cushioning zone 2 to the back of the lateral extensions thereof with inward curvature in the lane of the tire to the sides of the rim equipments centrally disposed and inwardly to orover the several annular and transversely disposed elements of the unitary structure.

The annular elements in zone 1? have curvature, as in with practically uniform depth on the radius of curvature, or on vertical lines throughout the major width of in the transverse planes of tire and with somewhat tapering sides in curvature to the side elements of tread, in zone 5 where they have the same curvature of form transversely in the transverseplanes of the tire as in zonel'? with practically uniform depth to the outer surface of the tread throughout the width of the annularcentral belt and otherwise with continuing curvature to the outer faces or side of the tire and somewhat tapering formation in curvature between the outer face of the tire and the inwardly described curvatures of,.17 and 1 at the sides.

The width of annular active tread surface having unifor ty of depth can be meterially increased by decreasing the depth of thg earing pu f, with nniformityon the lines of curvature as defined by zones 4, 17 and 5 in the compressive zone 1.

In Fig. 20 the valve organism 7 as com bined with 28 in Fig. 18 shows a member 90 of suitable rubber with slitted part 91 vertically therethrough the member being inclosed-within the cylindrical chamber of the member 92 having an outer annular flange 93 and a bottom with a central hole 94 therethrough.

The member 90 acts as fluid tight stopper forced into the chamber of 92, and the capping member 95 removably secured to member 92 serves to retain the stopper and valve member in fluid tight compressive engagement within the chamber of 92.

The member 95 also serves to compress the flexible material and fabric between the flange 93 and the washer 96. The capping member 95 is shown with a central hole immediately o er the elongated slit both of which are opposite and over the central hole 92.

97 designates a tubular needle having preferably a conical end provided in proximity to such end with side apertures 98 in order that when the needle passes through the slit 91 there will be a free passage for the fluid. 99 designates a stop carried by the needle.

Particular attention is directed to the fact that in all the embodiments of my invention I provide an annular beltof material of substantially uniform depth throughout the greater portion of the transverse diameter of the zone of distributive tread, the lines of formation having the contour of a flattened arch, with tlexure of curvature at the sides relatively to transverse section lines of the tire, such flexure forming elastic supports or pillars for the arch formation. The flattened archformation is transversely disposed relatively to transverse section lines of the tire and the altitude of the arch from the transverse section lines or chord line 30 represents a portion of the amount of normal tread deflection and in most of the cases approximately one half except in Fig. 12 wherein the altitude represents substantially the total amount of normal tread deflection. I also provide in all the embodiments shown an annular belt of material in the zone t substantially inextensible circumferentially and practically uniformly flexible especially in the curvatures at. the sides, with an annular belt of reinforcement in the zone 1? substantially parallel to the lines of construction of zone 4: and of substantially uniform depth throughout the transverse section lines of distributive tread with graduated curvature to the sides of the construction thereby imparting to the annular belt lying in zone 4- a high standard of resistance to internal pressure and to puncture and a comparatively low standard of compressibility throughout the compressive zone. I also provide a traction tread the lines of formation of which preferably conform to the contour of the flattened arch construction thus providing a central belt of substantially uniform depth with graduated curvature to the sides and into union with the materials in Zones 17 and t. Such tread is preferably formed of tough, flexible wear resistant material and may have embodied therein relatively hard wear and slip resistant material. The annular belts of material in zones 5, 17 and 5 are vulcanized into a unit of structure.

The annular belt of material in zone 4 extends with curvature around the sides of the cushioning zone 2 to the terminal seatings for rim equipment and the terminal seatings are preferably extended inwardly so as to flex outwardly in a radial direction with slight transverse elongation of the flexing curvatures of the sides which compensates for the difference between the altitude of thefiattened arch formation and the total depthof tread deflection. The cush-' ioning zone is annularly and transversely disposed and of substantially uniform depth with variations in curvature at the inner and outer periphery and in some cases at the sides. The cushioning zone is adapted to be used with an inner inflatable tube filling the space of thecushioning zone, or with an annular cushioning member filling the cush-' ioning zone with clearance for transversely disposed inner tube with depth to provide for the normal tread deflection. The lines of formation of the cushioning member confarm to the lines of the arch formation or the reverse thereof or both.

The lines offormation of the inner tube conform preferably on either the inner and outer periphery or both to the inner and ,outer arch formation with flexure at the side. The inner tube is outwardly circumferentially inextensible. Clearance space may be provided in the cushion, and in such case the load supporting capacity of the cushion per unit area equals or exceeds the pressure standard of the tire, or the tube may be inserted with suflicient clearance to insert the same, to compress the cushion mainly radially to provide the clearance for tread deflection, and in this case the comressibilitv of the cushion er unit area is such that when compressed to provide determined spacement for tread deflection the resistance to compression per unit area will equal the pressure standard of the tire.

The terminal seatings will depend upon the type of rim equipment with which the tire is to be used. Any type of valve mechanism may be employed to control the inflation or deflation of the tire, and either elastic or incompressible fluid may be used in the inner tube.

therein, which is preferably of elliptical formatlon. The circumferential inentensible member and the resilient truss cooperate maintain substantially the same formation of the tire under load under both inflation and deflation oi the fluid tight tube. 1 t will also be evident that by the insertion of fluid under pressure the tension ot the truss may be varied as desired.

It Wlll now be apparentthut l. have devised a novel and useful construction of aresilient tire which embodies the features of advantage enumerated as desirable in the statement of the invention and the above description and While I have, in the present instance, shown and described a preferred 8111* bodiment thereof which has been found in practice to gi e sat sfactory and reliable results, it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of modification in various particulars Without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention or sacrificing any or its advantages.

Having thus described my invention What- I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters- Patent is:

l. A tire comprising a circumfereutiallj, inextensible flexible member the outer periphery of "which is transversely disposed in flattened arch formation and merges into curved side walls an inner support lined to the terminal portions of the side walls and contributing with said member to form a core space, and a resilient core in said core space, having resilient solid material abutting against said curved Walls and filling the space thcrebetiveen and provided with clearance space to provide for the ilcnures of saidmcmber, under load.

2. A tire comprising a circumferentially" irextensible flexible member the outer pe rlphery of which is transversely disposed in flattened arch formation and merges into curved side Walls, an inner support fixed to the terminal portions of the side walls and contributing With said member to form a core space, and a resilient core in said core space having resilient solid material abutcurved side Walls, an inner support fined to the terminal portions of the side Walls and contributing with said member to fdrm a core space, and a resilient core in said core space forming an annularly and transversely disposed truss having resilient solid material abutting against said curved walls and lilting the space therebetween and provided with a clearance space to provide for the fiexures of said member under load. e A tire comprising a circumferentially inextensible flexible member the outer periphery of which is transversely disposed in llattenedarch formation and merges into curved side Wall" an inner support fixed to the terminal portions of the side Walls and contributing with said member to form a core space, a resilient core in said core space having resilient solid. material abutting against 'said curved Walls and filling the space therebetrween and provided with a fluid tight clearance space to provide for the fissures of said member under load and fluid under pressure in said clearance space.

5. A. tire comprising a circumferentially inextensible flexible member the outer pe-' riphery of which is transversely disposed. in flattened arch formation and merges into curved side Walls, an inner support fixed to the terminal portions of the side Walls and contributing with said member to form a core space and a core in said core space forming an annular and transversely disposed resilient truss With resilient abutments of solid material seated. against said side Walls and substantially filling the space therebetween to form a yielding support, and the core having substantially throughout the Width of road contact of the tire means to provide for definite flexures of said member under load.

6. A tire comprising a circumferentially inextensible flexible member the outer periphei'y of which is transversely disposed in flattened arch -formatitni and merges into curved side Walls, an inner support fixed tothe terminal portions of the side walls and contributing with said member to form a core space, a resilientcore in said core space, having resilient solid material abutting against said curved Walls and filling the space therebctween and provided with a clearance space to provide for the licxurcs of said member under load.

7. A tire comprising a circumtcrcntially inextensible flexible member the outer periphery of which is transversely disposed in flattened arch formationand merges into curved side walls, an inner support fixed to the terminal portions of the side Walls and contributing with said member to form a core space. and a resilient and flexible annular truss transversely disposed in said core space and formed of layers of rubber and tensile reinforcements which abut against said core space,

curved side walls, an inner support fixed to the terminal portions of the side walls and contributing with said member to form a core space, and a resilient and flexible'annular truss in said core space and consisting of concentric layers of fabric and rubber,

the curved walls of the member forming iabutments for the truss and the space therebetween being substantially filled by, the layers of fabric and rubber thereof to thereby form a yielding support for such side walls, said truss having a. fluid tight clearance space adapted to receive fluid under pressure, and said truss cooperating with said member to maintain substantially the same conformation of the tire under load under inflation and deflation.

9. A tire comprising a circumferentially inextensible flexible member the outer pcriphery of which is transversely disposed in flattened arch formation and merges into curved side walls, an inner support fixed to the terminal por ions of the side walls and contributing with said member to form a and an annularly and transversely disposed resilient truss in said core space having its abutments seated against said curved side walls and substantially filling the space therebetween, and a tluid tight tube in said core-space adapted to receive fluid'under pressure, said truss cooperating with said member to maintain substantially the same conformation of the tire under load under both inflation and deflation of said tube.

10. A tire comprising a circumferentially inextensible flexible member the outer periphery of which is transversely disposed in flattened arch formation and merges into curved side walls, an inner support fixed to the terminal portions of the side Walls and contributing with said member to form a core space, an annularly and transversely disposed tension truss in said core space having its abutments engaging said curved side walls and substantially filling the space therebetween, and means to vary the tension of said truss.

11. A tire comprising a circumferentially inextensible flexible member the outer periphery of which is transversely disposed in flattened arch formation and merges into curved side walls, an inner support fixed to the terminal portions of the side walls and contributing with said member to form a core space, an annularly and transversely disposed tension truss in said core space havmg its abutments engaging said curved side walls and substantially filling the space therebetween, and means to vary the tension of said truss by fluid under pressure.

12. An annular tire body having embodied therein an annular and transversely disposed fiexible and circumferentially inextensible tension member spanning the body with flattened arch formation relatively to the transverse section lines in the major width of said body, and continuing with relatively close curvatures about the sides to the seating or base portion of said body, and contributing to form an annular and transversely elongated core space across the body and flexible tension support thereabout, an annular and trai'isi-ersely elongated truss of flexible material spanning the width of the core with curved sides in resilient tension abutment against the inner faces of the curvatures of said member along and about the sides of said core space, a tread secured to and supported by said member, and

.nieans providing circumferential inextens1- bility in the seating part or base of said body.

JOSEPH S. l/VILLIAMS.

itnesses:

II. S. FAIRBANKS, C. D. MCVAY. 

